From Nightfest to The Boy From Oz, we have your week sorted
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Planning for the week ahead? We have all the inspiration you need for some fun filled days.
From Nightfest to the Boy From Oz, The Hartley Hall Markets, pop these events in your calendar.
Don’t miss…
Canberra Outlet’s Big Brand Sale
Longer weekend. Bigger savings. From Saturday 5 to Monday 7 October, Canberra Outlet’s Big Brand Sale is inviting you to enjoy three days of exclusive offers, free entertainment and bonus gifts.
Kids can enjoy complimentary face painting and fairy floss between 11 am and 3 pm every day while you indulge in a little retail therapy with limited-time offers from your favourite brands centre-wide. Check out the sales guide.
But wait, there’s more! Simply spend $100, sign up as a VIP and choose your bonus Tote Bag or Glass Tea Flask. It’s all happening Saturday 11 am-3 pm, next to JB HiFi.
And don’t forget to get it for the ‘gram! Grab your best outlet finds and snap a shot at Canberra Outlet’s mega photo opportunity next to Lindt.
Saturday 5 to Monday 7 October | Canberra Outlet | canberraoutlet.com.au
The Boy From Oz
A local Canberra production of the hit musical ‘The Boy from Oz’ will be hitting the stage at The Q, showing audiences Australia’s most successful musical ever, and the first to make it to Broadway. The musical biography/tribute to the late great Peter Allen is based on the book by Nick Enright with music and Lyrics by Martin Sherman.
Telling the extraordinary story of legendary singer/songwriter Peter Allen – from his birth in 1944 in Tenterfield, NSW and humble beginnings growing up in rural Armidale to his meteoric rise to fame as an international star – book tickets ASAP.
Tuesday 1 until Sunday 20 October | Q Theatre, 253 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan | Book here.
Nightfest
You can’t talk about spring without mentioning Floriade’s dark side. Returning for another year with a new and exciting program packed with entertainment, this nighttime event is always a seasonal highlight.
From Thursday 3 until Saturday 6 October, across four nights you can see Commonwealth Park illuminated with vibrant colours, enjoy an amazing program of live music, watch cabaret in the Kazador Tent, and eat some amazing food.
Thursday 3 until Saturday 6 October, 6.30 pm – 10.30 pm |Commonwealth Park, Commonwealth Avenue, Parkes | More information here.
The Queanbeyan-Palerang Arts Trail
The Queanbeyan-Palerang Arts Trail is a celebration of our local artistic talent in Braidwood, Bungendore, and Queanbeyan in the first three weekends in October! It’s the perfect excuse to hit the road and enjoy all that the region’s creatives have to offer, from beautiful ceramics to glassworks, paintings, textiles, jewellery and much, much more.
This weekend, head along to Braidwood to explore ten different galleries, studios and pop-ups.
Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 October | Various locations | More information here.
Floriade
Your favourite seasonal celebration of spring is back in Commonwealth Park! The park will be transformed into a vibrant canvas of colour and creativity as the 2024 theme “Art in Bloom” is brought to life.
Along with beautiful flower displays, unleash your inner artist and take part in workshops and activities, enjoy live music, browse market stalls, and enjoy delicious food. The best part? Entry is free.
Until Sunday 13 October, 9.30 am – 5.30 pm | Commonwealth Park, Commonwealth Avenue, Parkes | More information here.
Space Time! Episode 2
Step into the beauty and mysteries of the universe!
This immersive show features the latest breathtaking images from humanity’s best telescopes, a Bright Stars version for sensitive people (especially those under eight years old) each morning, and a longer version called Darker Matter for those wanting a deeper immersion in space. There will also be a delicious candy bar with cocktails, room to run around and super-cool space mementoes make this an unmissable experience.
Until Sunday 13 October | The Vault, 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | Book here.
Special Events and Festivals
Ollie’s Garage Car Display
Love a luxe vehicle? Featuring unrestored survivor cars, Rolls-Royce and Bentleys, and more, visit Ollies’ Garage to see a museum-like display of classic cars.
You’ll be able to get up close and personal with some of the most iconic cars in history. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or just looking for a fun time out, this event is perfect for all ages!
Saturday 5 October, 9 am – 12 pm | Ollies’ Garage, 72 Gladstone Street, Unit 1, Fyshwick | Book here.
Canberra Colour Frenzy
What do you get when you combine a fun run with bubble machines, obstacles and colour stations? The Canberra Colour Frenzy!
Suitable for all ages, you can walk, jog, run or crawl your way through a self-paced, untimed 2.5 kilometre loop track adorned with multiple colourful zones. Ideal for everyone from families to fitness enthusiasts, enjoy a day filled with laughter, small market stalls, giveaways, and more.
Sunday 6 October, 8.30 am – 12 pm | Weston Park, Weston Park Road, Yarralumla | Book here.
Make a Mini Musical with Mr. Tim & Ms. Nat
Tuggeranong Arts Centre’s Make a Mini Musical school holiday program with Mr. Tim and Ms. Nat is giving kids the unique opportunity to co-create and perform an original musical in only five days. Running in the upcoming school holidays, participants devise the story, write the script and lyrics, co-write the music, choreograph stage movement, and make props and backdrops for a public performance on the final day. Perfect for ages eight to 13, don’t miss out!
Monday 30 September until Friday 4 October | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street North, Greenway | Book here.
Canberra Art Biennial
Running across four weeks, this is a biennial festival of contemporary art in Canberra.
Explore the city to discover artworks that are hidden around the landscapes of Lake Burley Griffin, the National Arboretum Canberra, and the city. Make sure to also keep an eye out for works in collaboration with Commonwealth and Territory cultural facilities and private/temporary gallery spaces!
Until Saturday 26 October, 5 pm – 6 pm | Various locations | More information here.
Markets
Hartley Hall Markets
With 200 stalls offering a variety of products including food, locally grown vegetables and fresh produce, baked goods, plants, furniture, clothing, pottery, children’s toys, arts and crafts, unique gifts and more, this is a beautiful way to spend a Sunday.
Stroll among the trees, have lunch and enjoy the fresh air, live entertainment and children’s activities!
Sunday 6 October, 10 am – 3 pm | Hall Showground, Hall Street, Hall | Book here.
Little Burley Markets
Offering a diverse array of multicultural foods, much-loved beverages and brunchables, beautiful blooms, locally made art, fashion, photography and homewares, artisanal bread, delectable pastries, seafood, smoked charcuterie, truffles, meats, puppy treats, and much more, you’ll be able to find plenty of goodies at this bespoke lakeside market
8 am – 1 pm Saturday | Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | thelittleburleymarket.com.au
Southside Farmers Markets
This village market is located at Canberra College, making it the perfect place to duck in to grab what you need (and maybe a few things you don’t). Order an egg and bacon roll to start the morning as you explore the best of fresh seasonal veggies, handmade pasta and pet treats.
8 am–11.30 am Sunday | 2 Launceston Street, Phillip | facebook.com
Haig Park Markets
Moments away from Lonsdale street’s boutiques and cafes, the Haig Park Village Markets will delight your senses with delicious cuisines, tasty treats, beautiful blooms, fresh produce, delectable charcuterie and artisan products. It’s a lovely place to enjoy a picnic whilst feasting your senses on the culinary delights on offer or to browse the fabulous local handmade design stalls.
8.30 am – 2 pm Sundays | Haig Park, Girrahween Street, Braddon | haigparkvillagemarkets.com.au
Old Bus Depot Markets
Lovers of fine hand-crafted wares, clothing collectors, food fanatics and jewellery junkies are just a few of the people who head to Canberra’s award-winning Old Bus Depot Markets every Sunday. In a fabulous old industrial building you’ll experience the endless colour, tastes, sounds and atmosphere that is “Canberra’s Sunday Best”.
Not your average market, each week you’ll find over 200 stalls of exceptional quality, featuring items all hand-crafted by local and regional creatives. There’s simply no better way to spend your Sunday in Canberra.
Every Sunday | 21 Wentworth Ave, Kingston | obdm.com.au
Food and Wine
Murrumbateman Moving Feast
Spend your weekend roving from maker to maker, indulging in delicious food and wine and taking in the beautiful countryside along the way.
Taking place this Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 October, The Murrumbateman Moving Feast showcases some of the area’s finest wine, food, produce and views – an exploration of the region and senses by roving degustation.
Participating wineries and venues dotted throughout Murrumbateman will wow you with fine food matched with their nationally and internationally recognised wines.
Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 October | Various venues | makersofmurrumbateman.org.au
Oktoberfest at The Durham
Beers, schnapps and karaoke. Sounds like a good time, right?
The Durham’s annual Oktoberfest celebration is back again. Offering a selection of German beers like Maisel’s Weiss and Hofbrau as well as German-style Australian beers by Ale Mary Brewing and Hawkers Brewery, enjoy some delicious traditional German cuisine, along with Schnapps by Alpen Schnapps and games and activities.
Saturday 5 until Saturday 12 October, 12 pm – 8 pm | The Durham Castle Arms, Jardine Street, Kingston | Book here.
Capital Brewing Oktoberfest
This day is all about beers, brats, and brass! Capital Brewing is bringing the Bavarian vibes to their taproom with 12 German beers on tap (enough to make even the most disciplined Lederhosen a little loose).
The Pork Knuckle Brass Band will also be blowing out Oompah tunes, the Brathaus is will be there to satisfy all your wurst cravings, while Brod brings the best of both worlds with their world-famous burgers. It’s walk-ins only, so no bookings required. See you there?
Sunday, 6 October, 11.30am – late | Building 3/1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | More information here.
High Tea at Louis
Looking for a sophisticated and refined experience high tea experience? Nestled within the elegant confines of Hotel Realm, you can’t go past high tea at Louis.
Offering a meticulously curated array of delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and an exquisite selection of pastries and desserts that showcase the finest craftsmanship (along with an impressive tea menu) it will be an occasion to remember.
Every Saturday, 2 pm – 4 pm | Louis, 18 National Circuit, Barton | Book here.
Floriade High Tea at Chifley’s Bar & Grill
To celebrate Floriade, Chifley’s Bar & Grill is hosting a very special high tea.
Treat yourself and your closest to sumptuous petite scones, mini quiches, finger sandwiches and a selection of sweet eats accompanied by herbal teas and barista-made coffee. You’ll also get a Floriade cocktail on arrival so you can say ‘cheers’ spring in style.
Every Saturday until 12 October, 12 pm – 2 pm | Chifley’s Bar & Grill, 8 National Circuit, Barton | Book here.
Floriade High Tea at Old Parliament House
Looking for a springtime escape? Make your way to the Members’ Dining Rooms in Old Parliament House for a one-of-a-kind spring-themed experience.
Serving Banoffee chocolate pie, yuzu matcha tiramisu, cucumber and cream cheese spread ribbons, spinach and artichoke tarts and homemade buttermilk scones amidst the historic grandeur (overlooking the iconic Parliament House), after savouring the delectable treats, take some time to stroll through the famous rose gardens to bask in wisteria and roses in full bloom.
Sunday 13 October, 2 pm – 4.30 pm | Old Parliament House, Members’ Dining Rooms, Parkes | Book here.
Floriade High Tea at natural nine
Experience the vibrant beauty of Floriade at natural nine with a Floriade themed high tea.
Held every Saturday and Sunday throughout Floriade, you’ll indulge in a delightful selection of teas, pastries, and savoury treats as you celebrate the arrival of spring. Book to reserve your spot today (and remember that natural nine is located inside the Casino Canberra and is an 18+ venue).
Until Sunday 13 October, 12 pm – 3 pm | Casino Canberra, 21 Binara Street, City | Book here.
Have a taste of Floriade at Midnight Bar
Celebrate the magic of Floriade with Skipping Through the Tulips at Midnight Bar – a cocktail that captures the very essence of this year’s theme, Art in Bloom.
Featuring rose-infused Antipodes Watermelon Gin, combined with the delicate notes of lavender liqueur and a hint of lemon juice for a refreshing, zesty twist, it’s inspired by the vibrant colours and blooms of spring, this exclusive nightcap is designed to be a multi-sensory experience that transports you to a garden in full bloom.
Until Sunday 13 October | 1 Elouera Street, Braddon | More information here.
Underground Spirits Gin Garden at Floriade
Sipping gin surrounded by the blooms of Floriade – honestly, what could be better?
Nestled amongst the vibrant blooms, the Underground Spirits Gin Garden is popping up to transport you into a world of Regency-inspired elegance. Inviting attendees to sip on their exclusive Lady Floriade Gin while immersing themselves in the breathtaking floral surroundings, you can also book the Underground Spirits Elegant Cocktail Domes to haven to savour delightful cocktails served in charming teapots.
This sounds like a garden party like no other.
Until Sunday 13 October, 9.30 am – 5 pm | Commonwealth Park, Regatta Place, Parkes | More information here.
Stage and Screen
Third Run Cinema
After a debut/test season in Cahoots Lab last year, Hannah de Feyter’s ‘Third Run Cinema’ returns to the Juliet Room above Verity Lane Market in October, as part of Canberra Art Biennial.
This temporary microcinema prioritises programming experimental, arthouse and classic world films that are otherwise unavailable to view or stream (legally) in Australia, and screening them in a cosy and accessible context. With four screenings taking place in total (Tuesday 1, 8, 15 and 22 October), film buffs won’t want to miss this.
Tuesday 1 October, 6.30 pm | Sydney Building, 50 Northbourne Avenue, City | Book here.
MEMOIR OF A SNAIL
Dendy Canberra is hosting a Q&A Preview Screening of MEMOIR OF A SNAIL with Academy Award winning animator Adam Elliot – and you’re invited.
Enjoy a glass of sparking on arrival and be among the first to see the poignant, heartfelt and hilarious chronicle of the life of an outsider, with all-star Aussie voice cast including Sarah Snook, Eric Bana, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Magda Szubanski, and Jacki Weaver. Then, join the Q&A!
Tuesday 1 October, 7.30 pm | Dendy Canberra, Canberra Centre | Book here.
Mystique
Internationally acclaimed illusionist and Australia’s Got Talent Finalist Michael Boyd brings his spectacular illusion Mystique back to Canberra after a sell-out season in 2023.
Featuring some of the world’s most impressive illusions, from jaw-dropping escapes to levitations, transformations, special effects and mind blowing disappearances, Boyd’s incredible production will surprise and delight all ages.
Wednesday 2 October, 2 pm – 3.40 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Book here.
Rockspeare Henry Sixth Part Two
Did you catch the first part of the Wars of the Roses tetralogy, Rockspeare Henry Sixth Part One in October 2023? Part Two is in the same universe where the music inherent in Shakespeare’s poetry is amplified with an original soundscape.
Kicking off with King Henry’s marriage to the penniless Margaret and the English court’s reaction, watch in awe as this historical play is recast as political dramas in a rock, steampunk world.
Wednesday 2 until Saturday 26 October, 7.39 pm – 9.30 pm | Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, Building 3.3, 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | Book here.
Kaz & Jude’s Menopausal Night Out
Join Judith Lucy and Kaz Cooke, as they celebrate her new book, It’s the Menopause!
Taking about everything menopause, all of your questions will be answered and there will be a bucket load of uncensored jokes that will hit the mark. It sounds like a riotous evening. The only question is, will your pelvic floors be up to it? There’s only one way to find out.
Thursday 3 October, 6.30 pm – 7.45 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Book here.
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
Child Players ACT presents this classic story by CS Lewis!
Head along to this family-run children’s community theatre group to see them bring Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy to life as they explore the magical world of Narnia. As they encounter Aslan the mighty lion, Tumnus the fawn, Mr and Mrs Beaver and many other mythical creatures, take the kids and their friends to see if they can defeat the White Witch and her army.
Friday 4 until Saturday 12 October | Belconnen Community Theatre, 23 Swanson Circuit, Belconnen | Book here.
Romesh Ranganathan – Hustle
After a sell-out tour in 2022, Romesh is back with a brand-new show that’s all about examining the human condition.
Asking questions like ‘Are people inherently good? Is charity always a positive thing? Is hustling the key to success? Or is all this a load of rubbish we’ve made up?’ you’ll join Romesh as he examines all of these issues and more while providing no real answers.
Friday 4 October, 8 pm – 9.30 pm | Llewellyn Hall, 100 William Herbert Place, City | Book here.
Dracula’s: Sanctuary
This iconic vaudevillian variety show is coming back to Canberra – and you won’t want to miss this.
It turns out that the 2023 tour that left audiences breathless was just the appetiser, as they come back with a a carnal cocktail of the undead and criminally insane: their brand new show, Sanctuary. You’ll see death-defying aerial acrobatics to knockout vocals from a killer cast of local and international artists that will leave you screaming for more.
Friday 4 and Saturday 5 October, 7.30 pm – 8.10 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Book here.
Ray O’Leary – Your Laughter Is Just Making Me Stronger
A staple on Australian TV screens, Ray O’Leary is known for his deadpan delivery, sharp wit and awkward bravado
Coming to The Street Theatre this October, this is your chance to see his iconic comic timing and iconic grey suit live. The list of reasons to see Ray O’Leary is long – jump the queue and book early!
Friday 4 October, 7 pm – 8 pm | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, City | Book here.
Music
Beauty and the Beast
The Wesley Lunchtime concert series is delighted to welcome the return of one of our favourite young performers, the talented pianist Charles Huang!
He will be performing works by Beethoven, Chopin and Miriam Hyde. Don’t miss this.
Wednesday 2 October, 12.40 pm – 1.20 pm | 20 National Circuit, Forrest | Book here.
Jazz Haus presents Pat Powell
From ska to blues, Hip-hop to soul and RnB to reggae, multi award winning vocalist Pat Powell is one of Australia’s most accomplished vocal talents.
Performing with his outstanding band at Tuggeranong Arts Centre, you’ll enjoy a carefully crafted set of Jazz, Soul, Funk and Blues music. But that’s not all. Pat will also be offer a vocal workshop exploring contemporary vocal stylings. Open to all singers, The Black Music Sung with Edge and Feeling, not Pop workshop is a wonderful opportunity to explore Soul, R&B and Jazz styles in a contemporary music context.
Saturday 5 October. Masterclass: 1 pm – 3 pm. Concert: 7 pm – 9 pm | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street North, Greenway | Book here.
Pure Energy – Ayo Young Symphonists
Five spectacular works for orchestra, performed by the country’s best school-aged musicians. Sound like your cup of tea?
Auditioned from across the nation, these young musicians are here to illuminate the future of classical music, and it’s never looked so bright. With a program centered around three radiant works by women, you’ll hear everything from Maria Grenfell’s powerful River, Mountain, Sky to the grooving momentum of Australian composer Holly Harrison’s Splinter.
Saturday 5 October, 7 pm – 9 pm | Snow Concert Hall, 40 Monaro Crescent, Red Hill | Book here.
Ensemble Q & William Barton
Ensemble Q is a group powered by the passion and fizz of curiosity and underpinned by the virtuosic integrity of some of Australia’s finest musicians.
Asking the question ‘What are the sonic possibilities when the oldest wind instrument in the world – the digeridoo – teams up with instruments that found their final form only two centuries ago?’, this ar-catching program includes new works from William Barton and Paul Dean alongside hand-picked masterpieces by Brahms and Ligeti. It promises to wrap audiences in a multi-faceted kaleidoscope of sound.
Saturday 5 October, 7 pm – 9 pm | Llewellyn Hall, 100 William Herbert Place, City | Book here.
Exhibitions
Garden Promenade
Featuring textile works by Sharon Peoples, this exhibition speculates on what could have been if Sarah Sophia Banks had travelled to Australia instead of only her brother, Sir Joseph Banks.
Sarah Sophia Banks spent much of her time advancing Joseph’s career while building her own priceless collection of coins, medals, visiting cards, satirical prints and print ephemera. She had an ‘eyebrow-raising fashion sense’ and was often described as a ‘fashion whip’. Artist Sharon Peoples focuses on motifs of plants collected by Sir Joseph Banks, such as flannel flowers, grevilleas and banksias using the live collection of the Australian National Botanic Gardens.
Wednesday 2 until Tuesday 29 October, 9.30 am – 4.30 pm | Australian National Botanic Gardens, Visitor Centre Gallery, Clunies Ross Street, Acton | More information here.
Island Hopping: A Solo Show by Jeffrey Sarmiento
Known for his creative practice exploring cultural identity and the graphic image in glass, Jeffrey Sarmiento embeds layers of information in his intricately constructed objects, sculptures and public commissions.
An expert in kiln formed and digital fabricated glass, he uses cutting and pasting of printed glass lenticular imagery and within the transparent medium, allowing imagery to swim within the pieces. Head along to the Canberra Glassworks to see his work, which helps him to expose complex narratives and create new ways of seeing.
Thursday 3 October until Sunday 15 December, 10 am – 4 pm | Canberra Glassworks, 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | More information here.
Mythica Ignota: Solo Exhibition by Elliat Rich
Showcasing new work developed during Elliat Rich’s residency at Canberra Glassworks throughout 2024, Mythica Ignota uses mythology as a framework to nest scientific observation and more-than-human orientated values with artefact and narrative.
Curated by Aimee Frodsham, in this exhibition Alice Springs designer Elliat Rich taps into ancient and future ways of seeing the world.
Thursday 3 October until Sunday 15 December, 10 am – 4 pm | Canberra Glassworks, 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | More information here.
Bird Guides | Jorji Gardener
This is a solo exhibition by Jorji Gardener. Highlighting ecological relationships by connecting you with birds and their habitat, this exhibition bears witness to habitat and bird species loss fostering a renewed sense of caring for country.
Thursday 3 until Sunday 27 October | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | More information here.
Foundation Traces | Nick Offer
Nick Offer is a figurative painter whose practice has recently expanded to landscape.
His first solo show since 2022, Foundation Traces addresses his current interest in landscape as a record of human activity. You’ll see six large landscapes, focussing on the remains of the NASA Space Tracking Station in the Orroral Valley, depicting various aspects of the ruins of the former station and investigate its incongruous presence within the natural arena of the valley.
Thursday 3 until Sunday 27 October | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | More information here.
Position x Perspective = Perception | Benni Phillips-Nozdrachev
This solo exhibition by Phillips-Nozdrachev presents miniaturised, reconstructed worlds as large-scale installations.
Reflecting time spent walking alone through forests in Finland, Germany and the Snowy Mountains over the past 11 years, the concept is by collecting and documenting physical, mental and spiritual materials, objects become past, present and future marks of time, translated by environmental consciousness into multidimensional habitats.
Thursday 3 until Sunday 27 October | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | More information here.
ACT Woodcraft Guild Members’ Annual Exhibition and Sales
Discover the timeless beauty of handcrafted woodwork at the annual exhibition and sale of the ACT Woodcraft Guild!
Along with showcasing the vast range of items created by Guild members, you’ll meet the members of the Guild, see the members in action in a variety of woodworking demonstrations and support some local makers!
Friday 4 until Monday 7 October, 11.30 am – 4.30 pm | Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross Street, Acton | More information here.
Over Seas
This is an open exhibition for Canberra’s migrant communities.
Featuring the works of over 75 Canberra region artists who have migrated to Australia, from the political to the personal (and including everything from traditional art forms to contemporary perspectives), these artists give us a glimpse into the diversity of their journeys and the rich array of stories that make up Canberra’s multicultural community.
Until Sunday 13 October, 10 am – 4 pm | Generator Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | More information here
The Materialisation of Testament
This is the culmination of four years of research, and the artistic component of Kerry Martin’s creative practice PhD undertaken at the University of Canberra between 2020 and 2024.
Based primarily on the reports of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse (2012-2017), it seeks to provide another platform to continue the discussion around, and examination of the Catholic Church’s disturbing history of child sexual abuse in this country. Working with a reparative aesthetic, an approach to making beautiful art about brutal topics, it asks the viewer to consider what it might look like if the Church wore the shame of its offences.
Until Sunday 13 October, 10 am – 4 pm | West Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | More information here.
8 | Connections | Annual Group Show at GOST
Gallery of Small Things is hosting its 6th Annual group exhibition to coincide with Floriade and its theme Art in Bloom.
Head along to see the work from eight artists outside of Canberra to see their range of new artworks including tiny cups no higher than 2 millimetres to small bird paintings, round framed cyanotypes to wire sculptured objects. You will see a range of works in ceramics, photo media, abstract paintings and multimedia. The cottage garden surrounding the gallery will also be blooming for visitors to enjoy!
Until Sunday 13 October, 11 am – 4 pm | Gallery of Small Things, 27 Wade Street, Watson, Watson | Book here.
2024 Annual Members Exhibition
The Craft + Design Canberra annual members exhibition is back!
Showcasing contemporary expressions of craft and design uniting time-honoured techniques with modern interpretations, it’s a wonderful demonstration of the trends in contemporary craft and design in Australia by practitioners from the ACT and surrounding region.
Until Saturday 19 October | Craft + Design Canberra, 180 London Circuit, Level 1, North Building, City | More information here.
Hanging By A Thread – Mosaics For Afghan Women
Part of the Hanging by a Thread project, this project aims to raise awareness of the plight of Afghan women and girls and involves over 1,200 experienced and amateur mosaic artists from 46 countries.
Brining together mosaics from SA, VIC, NSW, QLD, TAS, WA and New Zealand undertaken by communities during the 2022 International Year of Glass, each artist has made a small segment of glass mosaic, which is being joined together to create a series of giant scarfs.
Until Sunday 20 October | Canberra Glassworks, 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | More information here.
Seasons – Solo Exhibition by Roger Beale AO
Roger Beale is one of Canberra’s better-known artists with numerous solo and group shows since 1984. In this exhibition, he shows the persistence and beauty of nature through seasonal change while acknowledging the transience of our own lives.
A metaphor for human resilience and hope, every painting in this series tells a story – ranging from moody, but hopeful, to outrageously joyous.
Until Sunday 20 October, 10 am – 4 pm | Humble House gallery, 93 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick | More information here.
The Places We Inhabit: Vessels from the Villages
This is an immersive journey through the rugged and beautiful landscape surrounding the ACT, through the eyes of the artists who live and make there.
Coming together from the landscapes and villages of Braidwood, Sutton, Bungendore, Collector and Gundaroo, and the beautiful places in between, you’ll see diverse and beautiful ceramics forms. Whether it’s the earthy reds of local clays, the imprints of the non-human world on pure white porcelain, or the distinctive softness of a wood-fired vessel, each piece bears the distinct imprint of the place these artists call home.
Until Sunday 20 October, 10 am – 4 pm Tuesday to Saturday and 11 am – 3 pm, Sunday | 1 Aspinall Street, Watson |More information here.
Landscape and Memory
Since graduating from the Canberra School of Art in 1991, Hiscock has established herself as a prominent Australian artist, best known for her evocative landscapes. Now based in Sydney, Hiscock has lived and exhibited widely in Australia and abroad.
Head along to see ethereal landscapes rendered in watercolour and gouache, presenting mood and light through a range of sepia tones in her compositions. She will also be launching her first publication of works for this exhibition, which will undoubtedly become a collector’s edition!
Until Sunday 20 October, open Wednesday to Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm | 87 Collett Street, Queanbeyan | Book here.
LOOKS
Patrick Morison’s solo exhibition reflects his fondness of human forms and faces.
Morison’s process involves sketching and layering paint, using a minimal colour palette and abstracted forms to reflect the emotions of his chosen subjects. In this exhbition, you’ll see bold but limited use of colour.
Until Sunday 20 October, open Wednesday to Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm | 87 Collett Street, Queanbeyan | Book here.
Jenna Lee at the COX Gallery
The installation, by artist Jenna Lee, focuses on three paper dillybags as the physical objects used in acts of gathering. Jenna is a Gulumerrejin (Larrakia), Karrajarri and Wardaman woman. She is a Saltwater woman with mixed Japanese, Chinese, Filipino and Anglo-Australian ancestry.
Jenna uses art to explore and celebrate her many overlapping identities, and in this exhbition the space is filled with words relating to their use, their materiality, and their purpose, giving these objects back their context within our ecology. Answering the question “What is a dillybag used for?” to gather, to nourish, to sustain is part of the 2024 Canberra Art Biennial.
Until Friday 25 October, 9 am – 5 pm | COX Gallery 1/19 Eastlake Parade, Kingston | More information here.
Sport
The Australian Transplant Games
Australia’s most inspirational sporting event, the Australian Transplant Games, are coming to Canberra.
Join transplant recipients, donor families, living donors and supporters from across the nation for one of the most inspiring sporting events. The six-day program combines both high exertion and low impact sports, along with many social and cultural events as well as providing both elite and social athletes the chance to compete on a national stage and celebrate the gift of life that made it all possible.
Tuesday 1 until Saturday 6 October | Various locations | More information here.
Workshops, Tours and Talks
Deadly Dialogues: Karlie Noon and Celeste Carnegie
Join astrophysicist and author Karlie Noon in conversation with Celeste Carnegie as they discuss the astronomic heritage of Noon’s Kamilaroi Peoples and her journey as an ambassador for youth and astronomy at the National Library of Australia.
Deadly Dialogues celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and their journeys and acknowledges the diverse cultures of First Nations people through in-conversation style events.
Wednesday 2 October, 6 pm – 7 pm | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Parkes | Book here.
Open Gardens Spring
Each spring and autumn, Open Gardens Canberra opens a diverse range of interesting and beautiful open gardens in Canberra, Queanbeyan and surrounds. This weekend, you can explore the ‘My Therapy’ in Gerrilong Gardens in Reid.
All visitors are welcome and there is a $10 entry fee for non-member adults that helps fund community grants and a horticultural scholarship.
Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 October, 10 am – 4 pm | Gerrilong Gardens in Reid | More information here.
Flow Cook Connect with Yoga and Ayurveda Day Retreat
Influenced by nature, this special seasonal Yoga and Ayurveda event offers practical and effective flow and food experiences in the pursuit of your wellness.
Guided by yoga and the ancient principles of Ayurveda, during the retreat you’ll head along to the Capital Region Farmers Market to source seasonal produce and then make your way to Mandala Studio in Lyneham to talk about everything from the fundamental concepts of nature to how to pause and reflect with conscious journaling and the benefits of seasonal eating. All yoga levels of experience and interest are welcome.
Saturday 5 October, 8 am – 3 pm | Mandala Studio, 253 Northbourne Avenue, G06, Lyneham | Book here.
Flowers In The Garden Tour
Spend time exploring the beautiful historic gardens of Lanyon Homestead! You’ll be surrounded by vast fields and the towering Brindabellas.
Featuring a specially designed garden bed for Floriade – Art in Bloom, inspired by the work of Sidney Nolan, you’ll join expert guides on a tour of the garden and discover the layers of history in the landscape.
Saturday 5, and Sunday 6 October | Lanyon Homestead, Tharwa Drive, Tharwa | Book here.
Sky Stories at Lanyon Homestead
Gather around the embers of a fire and enjoy a hot chocolate and damper while you listen to stories about the night sky by First Nations astronomer, Peter Swanton.
In this workshop, you’ll learn how to read the sky with different eyes, discovering how the stars guide First Nations people at night, herald the changes of season and contribute to ancient cultural practices. There will also be a chance to see the stars through telescopes and hear how scientific study is helping to preserve this cultural knowledge.
Sunday 5 October, 6 pm – 9 pm | Lanyon Homestead, Tharwa Drive, Tharwa | Book here.
Apple Canberra Photo Tour: Taking Portraits on Location
From taking portraits to photographing Floriade’s finest flowers, in this workshop, you’ll learn how to capture great shots with vibrant backgrounds on your iPhone.
Taking place on location in Commonwealth Park you’ll, practice working with Portrait mode and macro photography to capture content from unique and new perspectives. Experiment with the latest iPhone or bring your own!. Recommended for all skill levels.
Sunday 6 October, 10 am – 11.30 am | Canberra Centre, Canberra City | Book here.
Feature image: Events ACT.
